Celia Cruz is inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Cuban music icon Celia Cruz has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. 

She is part of the 2026 inductees, along with Phil Collins, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, Oasis, Sade, Luther Vandross, Billy Idol and Wu-Tang Clan. Shakira was nominated, but was not selected. 

Celia de la Caridad Cruz Alfonso was born in 1925 in Barrio Santos Suarez in Havana. In a career that spanned six decades, Celia became one of the most iconic Latino musicians in the U.S. 

Her classic hits include "La vida es un carnaval," "Quimbara," "Guantanamera" and "La negra tiene tumbao." She has collaborated with diverse artists from Tito Puente to Los Fabulosos Cadillacs.  

In March 2011, she was honored by the United States Postal Service with a commemorative postage stamp as part of a group of five stamps honoring Latin Music greats. The stamps also included Selena, Tito Puente, Carmen Miranda and Carlos Gardel.

In 2024, her figure was included in a quarter as part of the American Women Quarters Program.

Her music mixed Afro-Cuban, Guaracha and Salsa sounds and she became internationally known as “The Queen of Salsa”. With over 30 million records sold and an electrifying stage presence, she positioned herself as one of the quintessential artists of all time. 

Last year, the Los Angeles City Council declared October 17 as "Celia Cruz Day," marking the iconic Afro-Cuban singer's 100th birthday and honoring a legacy that brought salsa music to audiences around the world.